General circulation features over the northeren hemisphere in 1996 were analysed. It is shown that the 500hPa subtropical high over the West Pacific was weaker than last year. Its ridge line moved northward in early summer and its west ridge line moved southward in midsummer. Meridional circulation was developed in early spring, blocking pattern was stable at middle latitude in midsummer. 500hPa geopotential height was higher in Qingzang plateau, South westerly trough was weaker in summer. 100hPa South Asia high in summer was stronger and moved eastward. Its ridge line moved southward. The La-Nino was very weak and gone to normal in summer.